LeVert hails from Pickerington, Ohio, a city located just outside of Burke's hometown of Columbus. So, naturally, when LeVert was landed at Michigan last spring, Burke knew who he was.

In fact, Burke's father, Benji, is close with LeVert's former high school coach at Pickerington Central -- Jerry Francis.

"What (Burke and his father, Benji, have) done is help open up central Ohio for all kids," Francis told MLive.com in the spring. "With the outstanding year Trey had, it kind of lets kids know you can make plays outside of (Interstate) 270. Sometimes you can leave 270 and do great things, and Trey has definitely established that.

"(Trey) has been able to go outside of Ohio State University and make a name for himself at a great institution such as Michigan."

Trey Burke raved about the potential he saw in LeVert throughout the summer, long before Michigan coach John Beilein decided to burn his redshirt and insert him into the team's rotation this season.

And, maybe due to a natural chemistry, Burke's taken LeVert under his wing this season whenever he has a free minute.

"Caris can make a lot of plays for this team, offensively and defensively," Burke said Thursday. "Just with his length, the way he plays on offense and how he disrupts the defense.

"The first couple games, it was new to Caris. But once he gets comfortable, like he looked tonight, he'll be fine."

LeVert had the best game of his young career Thursday against EMU, finishing with 8 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 16 minutes of action.

While Beilein is impressed with LeVert's length and raw ability, he's more blown away by his work ethic -- often remarking that "when a ball's bouncing in the gym, he's probably in there."

On top of that, Beilein says he's pleased with how Burke has gone out of his way to help LeVert realize his potential -- something he feels can help both players in the long run.

"I got here (Thursday) at about 6 (p.m.), and (LeVert) and Trey were in the gym, I think they were playing one-on-one," Beilein said. "I wasn't crazy about them playing one-on-one (before a game), but they were getting extra shots up.

"Those two guys from the 614 (area code), they enjoy being from the 614 -- especially when they're playing for Michigan."